Tension Escalates Between Afghanistan and Pakistan Border Forces

afghanistan, pakistan - Tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan border forces escalated after clashes erupted following a rocket attack by Pakistan forces in Afghanistan's Host province.

Tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan border forces escalated after clashes erupted following a rocket attack by Pakistan forces in Afghanistan's Host province, according to Kabil-based TOLO News. Pakistan forces carried out a rocket attack on Ali Sher district, located on the Pakistan border in Host province around 01:30 AM. The clashes ensued as Afghan forces retaliated and lasted until around 05:00 AM.

Due to the clashes, many families were forced to flee their homes, but details about casualties were not disclosed.

Pakistani warplanes had targeted camps belonging to the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) in some areas of Paktika province, near the border of the two countries on December 24. Afghan authorities claimed that civilians, mostly children and women, were killed in these attacks, with at least 46 casualties.

In retaliation to these attacks, Afghan forces targeted Pakistani territory on December 28, announcing the killing of 19 Pakistani soldiers.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in terrorist attacks in Pakistan's provinces bordering Afghanistan, such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Armed groups claiming to defend the rights of the Pashtun and Baloch ethnic groups carry out attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians.

Islamabad alleges that the TTP, mainly operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, is based in Afghanistan and organizes its attacks from there. However, the Afghan government refutes these claims.

The Pakistan military previously stated that it targeted TTP bases in Afghanistan's Host, Paktia, and Kunar provinces, leading to tensions between the two countries.